Talking openly about our sexual well-being is still taboo for many in Asia. But data shows that this may be changing. So how do we define sexual wellness? And why should entrepreneurs and investors look into it? Let’s take a Deep Dive.
👩⚕️ Sexual wellness isn’t just about sex. It refers to our physical, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality, as well as our mindset and identity. It requires an understanding of the role sex plays in affecting our overall physical and psychological health, in addition to understanding our sexual rights, experiences and ability to communicate all this to others.
🗣️ In Asia, sex and its related topics remain stigmatised to varying degrees, but the region is also fast becoming the biggest market for sex toys.
🛒 Today, the sexual wellness market is increasingly driven by female consumers, who seek brands that accurately represent them and their needs. This has enabled sex shops to emerge from the shadowy underground into the mainstream marketplace. A new wave of sexual wellness brands have also arrived, some online and others stocked at health and beauty stores.
🚧 Entrepreneurs in this space may still experience roadblocks, such as limited funding opportunities and access to advertising channels. Some say the key is to shift the focus of investors and the public from sex as a vice to a matter of public health.
QUOTABLE
“Paying attention to our sexual wellness doesn’t mean you have to talk about sex... or that you must have sex. It is that people understand what sexual wellness is and its relationship to your overall happiness and health.”
US$39 billion The global sexual wellness market is expected to be worth US$39 billion by 2024, growing at a rate of 7 percent annually.
46% Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market for sex toys, accounting for 46 percent of global sales in 2017.
93% According to a report, 93 percent of women in Taiwan believe that sexual health and satisfaction is important to their overall health.
½ A survey conducted in Singapore found that less than half of its female respondents openly talk to their partner about sex, and even fewer of them with their friends.
91% In Malaysia, a survey found that 91 percent of women view owning a vibrator neutrally to positively.
QUIZ
The pandemic has boosted global demand for sex toys, with China, one of the world's biggest producers, benefitting from an increase in exports. How much has the export of made-in-China sex dolls increased in the last six months?
A. Two times
B. Three times
C. Four times
Scroll to the bottom of the email for the answer.
DID YOU KNOW?
Sex-tech brands aren’t new to CES, the world’s largest consumer electronics trade show. But unlike other tech brands showcased, they are subjected to rules that restrict the products they can promote, as well as the language and imagery that can be used.
In 2019, Consumer Technology Association, the organisation behind CES, also made news for revoking an innovation award from a female-founded company addressing women’s sexual health.
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THE EDIT
5 Stories To Get You Up To Speed
How Asia’s Booming Sex Wellness Industry Is Empowering Women Vice
What Entrepreneurs Need To Know About The Sexual Wellness Sector In 2020 Forbes
Why Sexual Wellness Is The Next Frontier For Entrepreneurs e27
China's Sex Toy Makers In Growth Spurt, As Coronavirus Lockdowns Fuel Global Appetite South China Morning Post
WATCH
Growing Your Sexual Intelligence
Sex and relationship counsellor Erin Chen points out the importance of demystifying sexual wellness and considering it a part of our everyday healthy living
LISTEN
Let's Talk About Sex
In this episode of Gen.T's Crazy Smart Asia podcast, Cindy Gallop, the founder of social sex platform Make Love Not Porn, describes her intention to spark a sexual revolution and launch the world’s first sex-tech fund. LISTEN HERE
THE FULL PICTURE
Asia is the world’s fastest growing market for sex toys, but our online search habits don't seem to reflect our interest, according to the map below.
Vouchercloud
GEN.T SPOTLIGHT
An honouree to know
Pocket Sun
Pocket Sun is the co-founder and managing partner of SoGal Ventures. The venture capital firm has invested in early-stage sexual wellness startups and launched a scholarship programme with Asia’s first sex-tech hackathon, organised by Spark Fest Asia and Future of Sex. READ MORE
FROM THE ARCHIVES
Did you miss our Deep Dive on Success In Entrepreneurship Has No Age Limit? Read it here
ONE FINAL THING
Supply And Demand
Asian nations are contributing differently to the growth of the global sexual wellness industry. China is a key manufacturer of sex toys and, alongside Malaysia, is a major condom manufacturer as well.
In terms of demand, Singapore, South Korea and Indonesia are big consumers of exotic lingerie, while Japan has been showing great interest in sex dolls due to the low sexual satisfaction of its ageing population.
NEXT WEEK
The Psychological Price of Entrepreneurship
That's it for this issue. Have a productive week!
The Deep Dive is a weekly close-up look at an idea, issue or trend that’s shaping Asia’s future. This issue was written by Chong Seow Wei, with editing and production by Samantha Topp and Lee Williamson.
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